A History of Excellence

Superior Galleries traces its history to 1930. We have provided superior value in rare coins through all types of markets. We combine a unique blend of industry expertise and financial strength in support of our complete range of services. From consultation to acquisition to liquidation, Superior has a proven track record for realizing maximum value for its clients.

Superior Stamp & Coin was founded by Isadore Goldberg in 1930. Mr. Goldberg laid the foundation for what would become one of the premier companies in the field of numismatic rarities To this day, we continue to honor our legacy by focused adherence to the highest ethical and business values.

A professional and courteous numismatic team, with decades of experience, provides the ultimate auction experience to both consignors and qualified bidders. Our staff has bought, sold, and cataloged billions of dollars of value including some the most prominent numismatic rarities. Our private clients have access to the broadest range of expertise to assist them in acquiring one coin or memorable collections. While Superior Galleries has been known for its skills in rare U.S., World, and Ancient coins our experienced staff now includes experts in rare currency, estate jewelry, and fine timepieces. In every area in which we participate, dispassionate analysis based on extensive research and a singular focus on customer service allows us to assist our customers in achieving their goals.

In 2007, Superior Galleries became part of DGSE Companies, Inc., a publicly traded company (AMEX-DGC) headquartered in Dallas, Texas. DGSE Companies, Inc. wholesales, retails and auctions jewelry, diamonds, fine watches, precious metal bullion, and rare coins products to domestic and international customers through its Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange, Superior Galleries, Charleston Gold and Diamond Exchange, and National Jewelry Exchange subsidiaries and well as through the internet. DGSE also owns Fairchild International, Inc., one of the largest vintage watch wholesalers in the country.

Our association with DGSE expands the resources and expertise necessary to extend our long-term commitment to the rare coin industry, We believe that numismatics should be a key component in any diversified portfolio and this philosophy is the foundation of all of our activities. Our commitment to numismatics recognizes the strong evidence of the stability and value represented by timely, strategic investments in rare coins. At Superior, we maintain the highest standards in financial transparency and integrity to meet the expectations of our clients, shareholders, and community. Though every kind of market and in all of our activities it is always…… “Superior Value…Guaranteed”

Records and Notable Achievements in our history:

• Held the record for Largest Single Coin Auction: For almost 15 years, The Boys' Town Sale realized prices in excess of $21 million, still one of the largest single auction sales of all time.

• Obtained the Highest Price for a U.S. Proof Set at Auction: Superior sold the King of Siam Set for over $3.1 million

• Bought and Sold the Connoisseur Collection: Superior both bought and sold the collection for over $2.5 million, which was the highest per lot auction ever held at that time.

• Highest Price for a U.S. Territorial Collection: Superior bought and sold the Clifford Kagin collection for more than $3 million.

• Highest Price for a Pattern Proof Set: Superior sold the Amazonian Gold Set for more than $1.8 million (at the time, the second highest price ever realized for U.S. Coins)

• Sold the 1913 Liberty Nickel (Eliasberg Specimen): The finest of the five known 1913 Liberty Nickels was sold by Superior for more than $1.84 million.

• Bought the 1907 Ultra High Relief $20 Gold: This Proof 67 piece was purchased for $1.2 million (at the time, the highest price ever realized at public auction for a U.S. Gold Coin).

• Handled three 1907 Ultra High $20 Gold: Paul Song, Senior Vice President, has personally handled and auctioned three 1907 Ultra High Relieft $20 Gold pieces since 1992.

• Consultant of Largest Numismatic Transaction in History: Superior's skills as experts in the industry were called upon to assist with the grading and distribution of the El Salvador U.S. Gold Hoard, which eventually totaled mor than $50 million.
  

Staff

Paul Inho Song
Senior Vice President
paulsong@sgbh.com

Paul Song is Vice President of Auctions with Superior Galleries. In this role, he will be responsible for building the live and internet auction business for Superior Galleries, to run all parts of the auction process, and to develop and nurture Superior’s retail clients.

Early in his career, Mr. Song joined Sotheby’s New York Coin Department in the spring of 1988 as a junior cataloguer, and by 1994 was made one of the youngest Vice Presidents of Sotheby’s New York. With almost two decades of experience in Sotheby’s Coins and Medals Department and in the numismatic world, Mr. Song specializes in 19th and 20th century American coinage.

Mr. Song has been privileged to participate in the sale of over $150,000,000 worth of coins at auction, while assisting his international colleagues with the cataloguing and sale of approximately $60,000,000 worth of additional coins.

During his career, Mr. Song has played an integral part in organizing some of the most exciting sales sold in recent years, including: The world’s most valuable collection of ancient coins to be offered at auction, formed by Nelson Bunker and his brother, William Herbert Hunt; Merrill Lynch’s limited partnership - the Athena Fund Collection of Greek and Roman Coins; the Uruguayan Treasure of the Rio de la Plata, sold by the instruction of the country of Uruguay; the Sam and Rie Bloomfield Collection of Highly Important Gold Coins, sold to benefit the Bloomfield Foundation in San Diego, CA; The John and Rebecca Moores Collection of Important United States Coinage, sold to benefit The Scripps Research Institute; and the famed Treasures from the SS Central America, the greatest and most valuable salvaged shipwreck of all time.

A 1987 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Mr. Song has a BA degree with a concentration in History and Art History, an MFA from Sotheby’s Institute and a 1999 MBA from the New York University’s Stern School of Management in International Finance and Marketing. An avid runner, Mr. Song has run 10 NYC Marathons and 1 London Marathon to benefit the Team in Training Leukemia Society of America and has raised over $50,000 for this charity. Mr. Song is married to Yvonne Teng, a jewelry and timepiece specialist at Sotheby’s in Beverly Hills, and they have a son, William.

Bryan Abbott manages the ebb and flow of merchandise in our Beverly Hills showroom. Bryan was born in Santa Monica and is a fourth generation native Californian. His career in Numismatics, Estate Jewelry and Fine Watches spans over 20 years. Bryan is also one of the worlds leading authorities on American Silver flatware and hollowware. His articles and opinions on the subject have been printed in several national trade publications.

Prior to arriving in Beverly Hills Bryan was the Founding Director and Director of Acquisitions for the Decorative and Fine Arts Department at Heritage Galleries in Dallas Texas. Bryan is proud to be a part of the Superior team and looking forward to meeting and working directly with our local clientele.

Bryan has handled original paintings by artists such as Columbian Ferdinad Botero and Israeli Reuven Ruebin. Bryan has worked with estates from the families of important early California pioneers to direct descendents of John Cotton Patriarch of Boston. His experience in Decorative Arts encompasses glass by Tiffany, Galle and Webb, silver by Tiffany, Georg Jensen, Gorham and Shiebler. He has well rounded expertise in Historical Documents, 19th century photography, Militaria and more. You will also find his knowledge of Fine Watches and Estate Jewelry to be invaluable.

In his spare time Bryan is available as a guest antique appraiser/speaker for benefits and educational forums. He has acted in that capacity for senior citizen groups, The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and The International Society of Appraisers to name a few.

Bryan resides in Beverly Hills

Prior to his tenure in numismatics, Mike Bonham had extensive experience in the bullion markets, trading tens of millions of dollars in silver bullion on behalf of his clients. For the past 20 years, Mr. Bonham has been assisting serious collectors and astute investors in achieving their numismatic goals. He assists with lawyers, CPA financial planners, and stock brokers to help their clientele diversify their investment portfolios. He was instrumental in assembling the finest known set of proof $20 St. Gaudens gold coins and a seven-figure collection of superb quality proof Bust dimes.

Mr. Bonham aided one of his clients with the formation and liquidation of a fabulous six-figure set of Bust dollars. He executed the sale of the Sam Newhouse, III (of the Newhouse billionaire publishing family) complete Mint State $20 St. Gaudens set (less the 1927-D) - for a price approaching $1 million! Additionally, he has handled many of the finest classic U.S. rarities that have become available over the past several years, some of which are matched only by specimens in the legendary Smithsonian Collection. Following are a few examples of sets that he has either completed or was instrumental in assembling:

• The highest graded Peace Dollar set which was rated #1 by PCGS (the average grade was MS66)
• The finest known complete 1897 proof set (cent through Double Eagle)
• One of the finest complete proof Barber half-dollar collections.
• The finest known 1855 proof set (half-dime through dollar).
• The finest known proof 1853 Arrows & Rays quarter (Proof 65).
• The finest known 1912, 1913, 1914 and 1915 gold matte proof sets.
• One of the rarest Double Eagles in existence - an 1865 With Motto $20 Liberty PR6S (J-452), a coin of which only two are known (the other is permanently housed at the Smithsonian)
• Numerous other complete gold proof sets including 1890-1915.
• Several $4 Stellas sold including two PR67.

Mr. Bonham is currently involved with the management of numerous six to seven figure portfolios. He vigilantly and efficiently services the want lists of his discerning clientele. Keeping a watchful eye on their numismatic holdings, Mr. Bonham is quick to alert his clients in the event that a profit opportunity arises. As a result, he has helped numerous customers reap substantial rewards on their investment in rare coins. Mike has assisted his clients with tens of millions of dollars in acquisitions and liquidations, but is always willing to work with smaller accounts.

With a sound work ethic and unwavering dedication, he provides his clients with an extraordinary degree of personal service. In addition to advising many of our collector and investor clients, Mike also actively works with a number of wholesale dealers as well. His diligence, knowledge and commitment to customer satisfaction make him an invaluable asset to Superior Galleries.

Bonham was recently admitted to the prestigious PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild), #658. Less than 1% of all professional numismatists are members of this organization. Mike is also a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association (LM-3139645), as well an authorized submitting dealer for the two major grading services; PCGS and NGC.

Edward Dubinsky, a native Angelino, is a Graduate Gemologist with Superior Galleries. Raised in the San Fernando Valley and having attended CSUN, he followed his father’s footsteps by attending the Gemological Institute of America in Santa Monica where he received his Diamond, Colored Stone, and Graduate Gemologist Certificates.

He began his career in Southern California as Director of Operations supervising the jewelry operations of 18 department stores. Duties included staffing, buying, planning special events, and advertising. After his tenure, he moved into coin, currency, bullion, and jewelry, managing Continental Coin and Jewelry Company in Van Nuys, CA.

Following his interest in Antique and Estate Jewelry, he was offered a position with Frances Klein Estate Jewels in Beverly Hills, where he furthered his knowledge of rare and magnificent jewels and jewelry.

Mr. Dubinsky has extensive knowledge in buying and selling rare and unusual gems and antique fine jewelry. When he is not working, he enjoys playing baseball and basketball with his two boys, and on occasion going to the indoor shooting range.

Jason Garnett is Director of Operations with Superior Galleries. His responsibilities include overseeing all day-to-day operations for the auction department, while running all Inventory Management for auctions, retail and wholesale for rare coins, jewelry and time pieces. Prior to becoming Director of Auction Operations, he served as Inventory Control Manager.

Jason was born in Chicago, IL, and has also lived in Albuquerque, NM. A lifelong Chicago sports fan (with the exception of the White Sox), Jason is happy to be part of the Superior Family and is excited to continue his career in the numismatic field.

Jim Jones is the Director of Cataloging with Superior Galleries. His responsibilities include continuing and improving the high quality of all Superior catalogs. He provides accurate cataloging of content and style, training of existing and new catalogers, and supervising a smooth interface of coin description with efficient marketing and computer applications.

Jim joined Superior in 2006 as Director of Cataloging after a dozen years with another major auction house as a numismatic and currency cataloger. He has participated in researching and describing rare coins for hundreds of prominent numismatic catalogs. Since Superior Galleries was acquired by DGSE Companies, Inc. in May of 2007,his duties now include marketing and development projects for all DGSE companies.

Jim became interested in coins at age eight when he purchased a 1953 proof set from a butcher at a local grocery store for $3.00. His father thought he was crazy for paying this much for 91 cents worth of coins! After earning an undergraduate degree in Business Management at Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth Texas, his hometown, coin collecting was placed on hold until 1971. Numismatics then became a part-time profession after he became friends with a local dealer in Dallas. Within a year, he was a full-time coin dealer. Over the years, Jim gained valuable experience by working for several well-known companies and managing his own coin business. Now, with 36 years in numismatics as a buyer, seller, and writer, Jim has handled most important numismatic rarities of historical significance.

In addition to his numismatic experience, Jim also has interests ranging from high performance automotive restorations to fine wine and gourmet cooking. In fact, his chili recipe recently won a local award. He and his wife Kim are both avid pet lovers who have two somewhat spoiled basset hounds.

Aaron specializes in guiding clients to a successful and profitable auction experience. Mr. Malone’s career in numismatics is marked with facilitating the sale of a number of the largest and more spectacular collections to cross the auction block in the recent past. Through his extensive research, customer service and follow-through, Aaron has gained a reputation in the hobby as a significant resource for collectors and investors alike. Aaron’s tested and proven methods for marketing marquee collections and major coins have produced world record prices all while commemorating the efforts of the collector.

While achieving his Political Science and Economics degrees in Colorado, Aaron became an avid backcountry skier. He has climbed many of the famous 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado and is now exploring areas of the Sierras, some of which he has established as first descents. During the off-season, Aaron can be found cheering for the Denver Broncos and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Dennis Nowicki has been seriously involved in the numismatic industry since holding the helm as Auction Manager at Bowers and Ruddy Galleries in the mid-1970s. There, he was responsible for corresponding with potential consignors, processing consignments, and providing ongoing client support, as well as assisting in the cataloging process.

After a stint in the Air Force and subsequently eight years as an English teacher in Japan, Dennis returned to the numismatic fold. Dennis was involved as web designer and webmaster for over a dozen reputable numismatic firms, including Superior Galleries, Heritage, Mark Teller, Fred Weinberg, Teletrade, and others. He has also assisted in cataloging lots for several high-profile sales.

Dennis obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Redlands. His interests include golf, history, scuba diving, and movies. He is married, with two daughters.

Dirk Schader is a numismatist with Superior Galleries of Beverly Hills. After being raised in the Los Angeles area and attending UCLA for several years, he ventured north, seeking greener pastures (and forests) to attend Humboldt State University where he received his B.A. in Philosophy, with a minor in Business and Music. He returned to Los Angeles after extensive travels in Nepal and India, and he then began his numismatic career as a purchasing assistant with Gold and Silver Emporium of Encino, CA. He was fortunate to receive intensive tutelage from Don Ketterling during these first years in the business, for it has been a solid foundation from which he has built his knowledge and career. Mr. Schader then relocated to Oregon where he worked with Eugene Coin & Jewelry as a retail and wholesale buyer and seller of precious metals, rare coins and jewelry items.

In addition to his numismatic experience, Mr. Schader has been involved in numerous volunteer projects, including being an emotional support companion for persons with AIDS, an assistant cook at the Kushi Institute of Macrobiotics, and an apprentice on a biodynamic farm in Oregon. He very much enjoys working with people one-on-one, and he lends his exceptional customer service and numismatic skills to Superior Galleries and its clients.

Richard Simonetti is a Private Client Services Representative with Superior Galleries. He specializes in assisting collectors to sell their beloved major collections through the auction process and working with new collector/investors to purchase early gold and early silver coins. During his nearly four years with Superior, Richard has developed a client base in excess of 500 individuals and dealers. He has also developed an extensive numismatic library of electronic files that cover all denominations and many other aspects of the hobby including, to name a few, Branch Mints, cool coins & collections, and grading.

Richard is a current member of Early American Coopers, Inc, Colonial Coin Collectors Club, the John Reich Collectors Society, the Civil War Tokens Society, Liberty Seated Collectors Club, and ANA as well as being an avid subscriber to Coin World.

After achieving a B.A. in Political Science from City University of New York, spending two years in the Peace Corps serving as an agricultural extension agent in west Africa, then studying at the University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France for three months and returning to the U.S. to work for one of the major NYC banks for nearly two years, he moved to southern California where he still resides. Sailing, skiing, hiking and backpacking have kept him busy during off hours.

Benjamin Rew is a skilled professional with superb organizational and communication skills. He attended school in Denmark, Sweden, England, Switzerland, Ireland and eventually studied at the prestigious University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.

At 27 years old he managed the European Division of The Pacific Institute (the youngest executive in TPI’s history to hold this position). During Ben’s term with TPI he successfully negotiated agreements with Coca Cola, Palmolive, Kerns Juice, Toyota and the Ministry of the Interior of Nicaragua and Chile.

His on-task determination coupled with his exacting organizational skills landed him the position of Assistant to Retired Four Star General Bernard “Burn” Loeffke (a dynamic combat veteran known for his international humanitarian outreach work) during his travels in Europe.

Ben spends his free time studying Jeet Kune Do with Grandmaster Taky Kimura, composing music and cooking traditional rural Spanish cuisine for friends and family.

Knowledge

Experience

Integrity

Customer Service